MARTIN Dimery, the Green Party’s Somerton and Frome Parliamentary candidate, has given his support for a new proposal which will put Frome at the heart of a new election constituency.
The Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has so far held two rounds of public consultation on its proposals to redraw the parliamentary constituency boundaries ahead of the next general election, which must be held by January 2025.
The proposals could see a new Frome constituency that would include Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Bruton.
Martin said, “I’m hugely excited by the prospect of a new Frome constituency which unites the town with our near neighbours Radstock and Midsomer Norton to the north, and Bruton in the south. Politically, it is interesting, combining those bits of the constituencies of Jacob Rees Mogg and David Warburton that don’t have strong Conservative support. It would be a four-horse race, and given the exceptional Green support in Frome and Bruton, this constituency could be sending a Green MP to Westminster at the next General Election.
“Frome residents use schools in Radstock and Bruton, there are bus and train connections between our towns, and clear historic and cultural links. The constituency will be more compact geographically and have a slightly smaller population. It would mean our elected MP would have a more manageable area to serve. It will be less easy to hide from constituents. It makes much more sense for both the Somerton and Frome communities to be linked to their closest neighbours.”
The Boundary Commission’s proposals are due to be adopted by Parliament next summer and would come into effect for the next General Election.
“My enthusiasm for the new constituency is based on what is best for Frome,” said Martin. “I would certainly like to be considered for the Green Party nomination if a new Frome constituency is approved. In the meantime, we are focussed on the possibility of a Somerton and Frome by-election.”
